Latest news with #JNPA
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Sheva Koliwada women's group to launch indefinite JNPA channel blockade from August 15 over long-standing rehabilitation issues
Citing decades of unresolved grievances, the Sheva Koliwada Displaced Women's Organisation has announced an indefinite agitation to block the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) channel starting August 15, 2025. The protest is aimed at drawing attention to alleged administrative negligence and broken rehabilitation promises made to villagers displaced by the JNPT port project in Uran. The organisation has accused the Raigad district collector, Kishan Javale, of failing to conduct a promised meeting to resolve critical issues relating to rehabilitation, fraud, the status of Hanuman Koliwada Gram Panchayat, and civic amenities at the transition camp. The residents allege that although 17 hectares of land were earmarked for resettlement via a 1987 government notification, 15 hectares were later handed over to the Forest Department in 2022, without formally cancelling the original allocation. Kalyani P. Koli leading the protest said, 'This, they claim, has left 256 families—both farmers and non-farmers—without legal documents confirming their property rights even after 43 years of displacement.' 'The district collector has never visited the transition camp, despite repeated appeals,' said the organisation in its statement, adding that multiple letters and reminders since June 2025 have gone unanswered. The group has also raised questions about the legitimacy of the Hanuman Koliwada Gram Panchayat, labelling it 'bogus' and citing a 1995 notification that they say was never officially annulled. They allege that police force was used to conduct elections and manipulate voter rolls in areas already under the jurisdiction of Uran Nagar Parishad, leading to illegal dual representation. On November 20, 2024, The Hindu reported on how party workers tried to force them to vote. In June 2025, the residents moved the Bombay High Court over their four-decade of wait for rehabilitation. Further, the organisation has accused government officials and law enforcement authorities of conspiring to defame and dismantle a women's water committee, which had been independently collecting dues for water supply in the transition camp. 'A gram sabha held under police protection in May 2025 reportedly passed a resolution maligning the committee's work,' Ms. Koli said. The displaced families have also raised concerns about political interference in sarpanch reservations, alleging that quotas meant for Scheduled Tribes women were arbitrarily changed, thereby disenfranchising the rightful claimants. Ms. Koli said, 'The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, had promised in January this year that land issues would be resolved within three months, a deadline that has lapsed with no action taken. JNPA Chairman's written assurance that land distribution would be completed by May 31 also remains unfulfilled as of July.' A report submitted to the Centre in May by the Tehsildar of Uran reportedly acknowledged that the 0.91 hectares of land allocated to the displaced is inadequate and adversely impacts their socio-economic and health conditions. 'Despite this, no follow-up action has been taken,' she added. Adding to the frustration is the alleged lack of basic amenities in the transition camp. The group claimed that since August 2024, after the District Collector and JNPA took over camp management, there has been no improvement in water supply, sanitation, or transparency in property valuation. A survey conducted by the Public Works Department in December to assess compensation value for homes and structures has not been disclosed to the affected families. 'The administration has turned a blind eye to our plight. The indefinite channel closure from August 15 is a last resort to demand justice,' the women's organisation stated, warning that essential port operations may be affected if their concerns continue to be ignored.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Bombay High Court criticises CBI over privacy breach in ₹800 crore scam probe, grants relief to TCE
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) stayed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) in connection with an alleged ₹800 crore scam linked to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority's (JNPA) capital dredging project, citing procedural lapses during the agency's investigation. A Division Bench of Justice A.S. Gadkari and Justice Rajesh Patil passed the interim order while hearing a petition filed by TCE seeking quashing of a first information report (FIR) lodged on June 18. The FIR named former JNPA chief manager Sunil Kumar Madabhavi, TCE director Devdutt Bose, Boskalis Smit India LLP, Mumbai, and Jan De Nul Dredging India Pvt. Ltd, Chennai and other officials and firms involved in the project. 'It was alleged that during the maintenance of dredged channels in Phase-I of the project, JNPA made excess payments aggregating to ₹365.9 crore to the contractors against claims raised for over-dredging of channels. However, in Phase-Il of the project, which overlapped with the maintenance period of Phase-I, JNPT [Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust] made an additional excess payment of ₹438 crore to the contractor, showing that no over-dredging was done in Phase-l or maintenance period thereof,' the CBI's statement read. These alleged losses were based on over-dredging claims and falsified hydrographic data. The FIR invokes sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. TCE, which was appointed as the project management consultant in 2003, submitted the final project report for Phase I in 2010. Its responsibilities included preparation of tender documents and supervision of project execution. Searches were conducted at the residential premises of officers of JNPA, TCE and offices of accused private companies at five different locations in Mumbai and Chennai which led the investigating team to the recovery of several documents relating to the Capital Dredging Project, digital devices and documents showing investments made by public servants. Senior Advocate Amit Desai, appearing for TCE, argued that the company's role was limited to consultancy and that it had no part in contractual or financial decisions. He also contended that there was no material evidence linking the firm to the alleged fraud. The Court noted that the memo disclosed the password of a laptop belonging to Devdutt Bose, which, the Bench said, constituted a serious violation of privacy and the Information Technology Act. 'How can you publish the password of someone? This is contrary to the basis of the IT Act. You have caused damage to someone. You (CBI) cannot publish someone else's password in public. This is a very sensitive matter. This involves tampering. This in itself is mandatory grounds for discharge,' the Bench observed. The Bench also raised concerns about whether the disclosure was made with malicious intent, potentially benefiting competitors. The Court has directed the CBI to clarify key aspects of the FIR, including the source of the complaint and whether the matter had previously been examined by the Attorney General for India or the JNPT Board of Trustees, as claimed by the petitioner. The case is scheduled to be heard again after two weeks.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
J N Port channel deepening works: Dredging expert says his 2011 advice used selectively by vigilance panel to foist allegations of fraud, ET Infra
Advt Advt By , ETInfra Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. Get updates on your preferred social platform Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more. A dredging expert has blamed the Vigilance Committee set up by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for 'selectively' using his 2011 advisory note to foist allegations of fraud and irregularities in the channel deepening work at Jawaharlal Nehru Port culminating in a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).'The Vigilance Committee has selectively used my opinion and interpreted my expert opinion on 'item rate' contract in 2011 in isolation and without reference to the Government policy on dredging in major ports,' M M Kamath , a dredging expert, wrote in a June 26, 2025, opinion given to J N Port Authority ( JNPA ).In his March 14, 2011, advisory note relating to Phase 1 of the dredging work at J N Port, Kamath said he had touched upon 'item rate' or 'quantity-based' and 'assured depth' contracts, enumerating the merits and demerits of both the models.'However, the Vigilance Committee preferred to refer in isolation and thus preferred to blame selectively on the appraisal process and alleged hypothetical loss to the government,' he stated in the report which was accepted by the Board of JNPA at a meeting on June Vigilance Committee Report said, 'the expert M M Kamath, on March 14, 2011, stated that for capital dredging, it is recommended to go for item rate contract since the quantity to be dredged at the slopes, the quantity to be dredged within the tolerance limits and in case of rock dredging, the risk is further aggravated'. The same was approved by the then Chairman, JNPA on March 17, 2011.'But Vijay Chhibber (the then special secretary and financial advisor) from the Ministry of Shipping did not consider the advice of the expert and the views. Even he recorded that even if it results in higher cost to JNPA, 'assured depth' method is to be adopted as per the dredging policy', the Vigilance Committee said in its said that cost analysis in the dredging industry is typically driven by the facts such as the nature of work, deployment of equipment and availability of equipment at a particular time.'Since the costing of dredging is entirely dependent on the deployment of the type of dredgers, delay costs attributable due to unforeseen circumstances, which are beyond the control of any prudent contractor will be reflected in the dredging rates. Therefore, the contract has to be well documented, with all the details and shall not have any ambiguity,' he said, noting that these aspects were dealt with in his 2011 the 'assured depth' contract, the design criteria have to be finalised, the boundary conditions - length, width, depth and side slopes will have to be frozen, and environmental parameters have to be clearly defined.'However, I had also cautioned that, if there is any change in the parameters, the contractor is likely to come up with claims at a later stage. Whenever, the above parameters cannot be fully defined, the next best alternative is to go in for 'item rate' contract,' he said but added that the 'item rate' contract is also equally prone to litigation, due to changed parameters, beyond the scope of work or wrong interpretation of the data furnished to the said he had 'recommended' that JNPA should go in for 'item rate' contract, as the management was of the view that past tendering attempts fetched very high rates, resulting in the discharge of tenders thereby delaying the projects considerably by more than 5 by then the Ministry had formulated the Dredging Policy to be followed by all the major ports which envisaged award of capital and maintenance dredging contracts on 'assured depth' basis, he 'assured depth' concept was finalised by the government in 2010 as a policy to avoid risks associated with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and cost estimation. The policy was formulated based on various factors relating to risk allocation under the 'item rate' contracts and consequent claims, delays and loss to the government.'Therefore, I am of the view that the government has thought it prudent to avoid the risk factors to the major ports (the employer) by allocating the risk - quantity to be dredged, change in type of strata encountered and change in environmental factors - to the contractors,' he was apprehended at the time of framing the Dredging Policy on 'assured depth' concept that the bids will be on the higher side. Similarly, it was also apprehended that the contractor may abandon the work, when intangible risks are encountered and may go in for litigation and consequently delay the execution of the project. However, in the case of JNPA, the works were successfully completed in both the major-dredging projects in a span of 7 to 8 years based on the 'assured depth' basis, Kamath the 'assured depth' model, the risk was completely allocated to the contractor, regarding the quantity to be dredged, equipment to be used/deployed, time period for the contract and the type of strata to be dredged, thereby commissioning the project the contracts were awarded at rates lower than the estimate in Phase 1 and 2, proving that the 'assured depth' contract has facilitated completion of the projects at a lower cost.'My advice for adopting the 'assured depth' contract was fully adhered to, in the preparation of the contract document, covering all the risk perceptions namely, boundary conditions and environmental parameters and relevant reports relating to bathymetry, soil investigation etc were provided to the bidders, eliminating any ambiguity in the preparation of the tenders and successful completion of the work,' Kamath wrote, observing that 'strange allegations' have been levelled against JNPA officials, its Board and the Ministry, even though due approved process of appraisal and approval of the government was allegation on the quantity assessment also 'do not hold water' as the estimation by JNPA is based on fair assessment of quantities on pre and post bathymetry charts and design dredged levels. However, the risk of verification of quantity is allocated to the contractors.'It is abundantly clear that the rates quoted by all contractors in the tender were very competitive within the permissible range from (minus) 2.13 per cent to (plus) 4.66 per cent,' Kamath Vigilance Committee Report of April 2020 had questioned why separate rates were not worked out for soft and hard rock instead of a composite rate, thereby causing a 'hypothetical' loss to the government.'This is a strange proposition as the seabed strata are composed of different geological formations based on-soil investigation report, and it is almost impossible to accurately quantify the soft and hard layers covering a channel 35 kms long and 450 metres wide,' he pointed seismic survey at best can establish the layers as soil and rock and further classification and properties are to be corroborated with a detailed underwater exploration by taking boreholes, which have their own limitations.'The dredgers used for dredging rock do not have gadgets to determine the strength of soft and hard rock separately. At best, the differentiation in rock properties can only be measured by the load on the cutter shaft motor and the load on the anchoring winches. These parameters cannot measure the strength of rock for classification for payment purposes. My experiences in rock dredging in two phases at New Mangalore Port, VOC Port, Visakhapatnam Port and Mumbai Port have amply proved that the rock profile changes from point to point, both along the channel and across. The various bore holes have proved that the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) changes very rapidly from point to point, making it difficult to accurately qualify the classification of rock,' Kamath some cases, the RQD varied from as low as 10 per cent to as high as 90 per cent making it humanly impossible to accurately qualify the classification of rock. In the case of dredging at New Mangalore Port, extensive underwater blasting using explosives were carried out. The drill holes were drilled with a 2 x 2 m grid space, 2m deeper than the designed depths and charged with explosives. It was seen that while drilling the drill holes, there were large variations in the strength of rocks in the individual drill holes. Taking into consideration these facts, the project consultants took a conscious decision to adopt a composite rate which is a normal practice in dredging works consisting of heterogeneous soft and hard rock fact, in some of the bore holes, the soil layer exists between the hard rock. Taking into consideration these factors, the contractors normally deploy a cutter suction dredger, capable of dredging the highest rock strength shown in the bore holes based on their experience of rock dredging in similar it is 'very expensive to remobilise a higher capacity dredger later just to re-dredge rock spots left, if any, by the designated dredger'.'In view of this, I am of the opinion that the composite rate adopted by JNPA is the most preferred and economical option for rock cost estimation. This is amply proved by the bids received for both Phase 1 and 2 contracts. Hence no suspicion can be attributed for adopting the composite rate for rock dredging estimation, as it has been confirmed in both the contracts. Hence, JNPA has correctly adopted a composite rate for rock dredging, which is also a general universal practice,' he surprise at the comments of the Vigilance Committee on the design parameters of the navigational channel, Kamath said: 'I am given to understand that the Phase-1 capital dredging DPR was prepared by Royal Haskoning and the channel design was based on the relevant Permanent International Association of Navigation Congress (PIANC) guidelines. However, on April 26, 2004, the JNPA Board decided to verify the report and entrusted the task of vetting it to EU-India Maritime Transport Project and IIT, Madras (Ocean Engineering Department).The consultant, in its report, suggested that the location, dimensions of the turning circle and emergency anchorage should be validated by a 'Simulation Study' which was carried out by Haskoning India Pvt Ltd at their Netherlands office. The outcome of the 'Simulation Study' and the conclusions with respect to the channel design were verified by the EU-India Maritime Transport Project and IIT, Madras (Ocean Engineering Department). Based on this, Royal Haskoning had finalized the channel design and submitted the final DPR.'From the above, I am fully convinced that the channel was designed based on a scientific basis and the relevant PIANC guidelines at that time and confirmed by the 'Simulation Studies'. There is no further scientific scope to question the design and adoption of the channel parameters,' he Phase 2, the same channel was further designed to be deepened and widened to cater to 15 metre draft vessels, fully conforming to the approved PIANC guidelines. The channel width and depths were as per the PIANC guidelines and a 'Channel Density Study' carried out by Arcadis Netherlands, during the feasibility study of Phase 2, was accepted by the JNPA Board and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. A similar approach was adopted for designing the navigational channel of Kamarajar Port near Chennai.'This clearly proves that the comments of the Vigilance Committee are not justified on any technical grounds as the design of the channel has been carried out as per the PIANC guidelines supported by 'Simulation Studies' as well as 'Channel Density Studies' by JNPA,' Kamath Vigilance Committee had made a reference to adopt a lower width without any scientific justification. The work was completed as per the defined scope of work in the tender and the Committee has not made any observations on the inadequacy in design, neither a deficiency in the work, he it is 'clear that JNPA has followed the approved guidelines, carried out the 'Simulation Study' and the 'Channel Density Study' fully conforming to international standards'.'I am of the firm opinion that JNPA in association with their consultants, have taken appropriate steps for the design of the channel on scientific basis and adopted the government approved 'assured depth' concept and completely avoided the risk in the project and successfully completed both the projects within the sanctioned estimate cost and commissioned the channel before the stipulated time, earning additional revenue to the port from the deepened and widened navigational channel,' Kamath the channel has been working satisfactorily from the time it was commissioned till date, without any major incidents or complaints from ship owners and pilots, he noted, adding that 'no fraud can be established in the design of the channel as no facts were hidden by JNPA officials and all design inputs came from well-known industry sources of international and national standards'.Once the government has approved a policy of 'assured depth' concept, they will not approve any contracts based on any other method and the major ports will have to necessarily follow the same.'The reported hypothetical losses to the government put forth by the Vigilance Committee are far from truth,' he concluded.
News18
08-07-2025
- News18
What Is Hydro Ganja? Why The New Variety Of Marijuana Has Become A Challenge For Maharashtra
Hydro ganja: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said even terminally ill cancer patients are being used as drug carriers for hydroponic ganja (marijuana or cannabis) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently said that 'hydro ganja' or hydroponic ganja (marijuana) has emerged as a new challenge with drug syndicates finding newer ways to transport it across borders. Speaking in the legislative council, Fadnavis said that two Indonesian nationals were arrested with 21kg of hydroponic ganja valued at Rs 21.55 crore in Mumbai. The police have also got custody of Navin Chichkar, a Navi Mumbai resident from Malaysia who was a major supplier of hydro ganja to India from the US and Thailand. What is it? Why is it a challenge? What is hydroponic or hydro ganja? Hydroponic ganja refers to cannabis plants grown without soil. This method gives growers precise control over the plant's environment, which can result in quicker growth and higher yields. Hydroponics is a method of cultivation without soil, where plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution, often supported by an inert medium like coco coir, perlite, clay pellets, or rockwool How is hydroponic ganja grown? How is hydroponic or hydro ganja sold and transported? It is mostly smuggled through the northeast and sold on the dark web. The CM said messages are exchanged on social media to sell the substance and to make payments. Dealers are also shipping it via courier services, and conceal it in cargo consignments coming in via the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and ports in Gujarat. Even terminally ill cancer patients are being used as drug carriers, the CM said. Maharashtra crackdown on hydroponic or hydro ganja Fadnavis said police have instructed all postal and courier companies to inspect consignments, to avoid being named as accused in case of a lapse. Task forces will monitor social media and the dark net. Is hydro ganja legal in any country? Canada United States (where cannabis is legal (recreational or medical) Uruguay Thailand South Africa Germany Apart from India hydroponic ganja is illegal in Singapore, UAE, Indonesia, Japan, China and Russia. With Agency Inputs
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Hydro ganja' a major challenge: CM
MUMBAI: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said 'hydro ganja' or hydroponic ganja (marijuana) is a big challenge as drug syndicates have found new ways to transport it across borders, while some countries have legalised it. Mumbai, India - July 3, 2025:CM Devendra Fadnavis, during monsoon assembly session at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Photo by Anshuman Poyrekar/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) Speaking in the legislative council on Thursday, Fadnavis said, five days ago, two Indonesian nationals were arrested with 21kg of hydroponic ganja valued at ₹21.55 crore in Mumbai. Hydroponic ganja refers to cannabis plants grown without soil. This method gives growers precise control over the plant's environment, which can result in quicker growth and higher yields. While the drug is being sold on the dark web, dealers are also shipping it via courier services, and concealing it in cargo consignments coming in via the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and ports in Gujarat. Even terminal cancer patients are being used as drug carriers, he said. Fadnavis said police have instructed all postal and courier companies to closely inspect consignments, to avoid being named as accused in case of a lapse. Joint task forces will monitor social media and the dark net. Fadnavis said the FDA could play a big role in controlling the drug. 'In rural areas, Codeine is consumed. We have instructed all pharmacies to install CCTVs. Also, the drug must be sold only against prescriptions,'' he said. Highlighting the role of social media in trafficking hydro ganja, the chief minister said messages are exchanged to sell the substance and to make payments. 'Our cyber cell has pinpointed 15 places on the dark web and arrested people.' Fadnavis also shared details on drug kingpin Naveen Chichkar, who was deported from Malaysia to India in May. He said Chichkar, who had bought an island in Australia, had sent drugs from Thailand to India via courier.
